On the Jaizkebel – usually decisive in the Clasica for seeing a break go clear – there were no significant developments except for Quick Step using up several of their six riders that had made it into the front group to keep things together.

On the second category Alto de Arkale on the run-in to San Sebastian, a move with Valverde, Sanchez, Rebellin, David Moncoutie (Cofidis) and Bettini briefly opened up some ground. It didn?t work out, but in the flurry of counter-attacks that followed, the front group shrank to just a dozen.

A final challenge by Moncoutie was snuffed out with just 250 metres to go, at which point Valverde accelerated hard to win by over three bike lengths.

?The key thing was to get across in the first hour.? Valverde said afterwards. ?Normally, it all comes back on the Jaizkebel, but when we saw there was such a big move ahead, I realised I?d better try and get into it.?

?Finally only me, [team-mate Vladimir] Karpets and Andy Schleck [CSC-Saxo Bank] mnaged to get across at the last minute.?

?Then in the final sprint, I knew it was going to be difficult, but my form is good after finishing the Tour.? – where he took nineth overall and won the opening stage.

?I don?t know what my chances are in the Olympics, it?s going to be a bit of a lottery, but winning here was a very good sign. After that, I?ll head for the Vuelta, although it?ll be difficult to fight for the overall after such a long season.?

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